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Photo: Petar Milošević, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Bitola's old bazaar is the city's historic commercial centre. It is situated north of the Dragor River, opposite the clock tower and Magnolia Square. In its narrow streets, it is home to examples of traditional Turkish architecture including important religious and cultural buildings. Bitola achieved its peak importance during Ottoman rule and had a large bazaar. While the size of the bazaar has declined over the years, it remains an active centre of commerce and life in Bitola.
The Old Bazaar is a bazaar located in Bitola, North Macedonia, situated on the northern bank of the Dragor River in the centre of the city. The bazaar has served as a centre of trade activity for Bitola since the 15th century. As the third-most important European city in the mid-19th century Ottoman Empire after Istanbul and Thessaloniki, Bitola had over 2,000 shops with roughly 140 different crafts and professions present.
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Безистен
A bezisten is a covered bazaar where more precious goods were typically sold. Bitola's bezisten was built the 16th century but has seen changes over the course of its history. It has four large metal doors and its roof has numerous cupolas. It remains a building of commerce today. It is on the north bank of the Dragor River, opposite the clock tower.
Јени џамија
Located in the centre of Bitola and one of the city skyline's most prominent features, the Yeni Mosque was built in 1558. It has a square base with a dome-capped roof and one minaret. "Yeni" in Turkish means "New", suggesting that the mosque was built atop an older mosque or church. Today, the mosque is used as an exhibition space.
Ајдар Кади Џамија
This mosque was built in the 1560s, designed by noted Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. After falling into disrepair years ago, it was renovated with the help of the Turkish government in 2016. Due to the decrease in size of the old bazaar, it is now at the northern edge of the district. It has a single dome with three additional domes above the portico. It also has a single minaret. Following restoration, the mosque is once again an active religious building and is now fully illuminated at night.
Дебој амам
Located in the northern end of the old bazaar, this hamam (Turkish bath) was built in the 15th or 16th century. It was a double hamam, meaning there were separate male and female sections, each beneath one of the two domes. No longer functioning as a public bathhouse, it has been a commercial building since 1990. Go in a shop and check out some of the details of the former hamam.
Исак џамија
Located just west of the bezisten, Ishak Çelebi Mosque was built in 1508, commissioned by local judge Isak Çelebi Ibni Asa. With its 50 m (164 ft) minaret, it is prominent in the city skyline. It is also Bitola's largest mosque.
Плоштад Магнолија
Located on the northern portion of Širok Sokak, Magnolia Square is the most prominent square of Bitola. Its centerpiece is a statue of Philip II of Macedon, the city's ancient founder, as well as a fountain with the Vergina Sun surrounded by shields and spears. Surrounding the square are historic buildings, with the Clock Tower park directly to the north.